Simon Grayson Ready For Return To Action

Manager Simon Grayson is hoping the international break was a perfect opportunity for recovery and hard work.

The Lilywhites’ first home game in three weeks sees Paul Lambert take charge of Wolves for the first time in a clash with North End and the PNE boss admits there is little in terms of scouting that can be done about how they will line up.

“We can work out and analyse the players that they have on their staff; we can have a think on what Paul might do as a manager, but what he is going to throw together in terms of the personnel and systems is very difficult for anyone to try and work out,” he said.

“We will try and do as much work as we need to do on Wolves, but there might be a few surprises along the way when the team sheet comes out, but it is about the work that we have done – maintaining the good habits that we have imposed on the players over the last few weeks and the pressure they have put on the opposition.

“We have been hard to beat, hard-working, taking chances, been ruthless – all the basic ingredients of the success that we have had.”

Lambert takes charge of a new team at Deepdale for the second time in 12 months, the same happening with Blackburn Rovers in Autumn 2015 and Simon is not surprised to see him back in the game quickly after departing Ewood Park in the summer.

“Any manager who leaves a job and has the hunger and desire for the game wants to get back in as quickly as they possibly can, as long as it’s the right club.

“Paul obviously felt that it was a good opportunity. It is a big opportunity with foreign owners and he will be doing everything he can to get them back to where they think they belong, which is in the Premier League – as every other team in the Championship wants to try and achieve.

“The Championship sees you up against big names and big players every week and that’s why it is one of the best leagues in Europe and why it is scrutinised so much. It’s a big league to be involved in, but a good one, because you are tested week in, week out.”

And with two weeks without a game, the gaffer hopes the performances of his side before the break continue into the latter part of November.

“We have got some good hard work in, as well as some extra rest and recuperation. We are looking forward to getting back onto the pitch again and trying to pick up from where we left off before the break,” he added.